Is it possible that having novacaine shots for dental work could have done damage to a nerve that now causes ring in my ear?

Not unless: Not unless as a side effect of the injection or procedure you also have a TMJ problem (jaw clicking, limited or painful opening, painful chewing). If you have these other symptoms, see TMJ expert.

See an ENT: Unfortunately, researchers still aren’t entirely sure what happens in the auditory system to cause tinnitus. See an ENT if you’ve had ringing in your ears for more than 3 months.